In today’s digital age, Cybersecurity Learning is no longer optional – it’s essential. Whether you’re looking to protect your personal data, enhance your professional skills, or embark on a new career path, understanding cybersecurity is paramount. The good news is that accessing high-quality cybersecurity learning resources has never been easier or more affordable. Numerous online platforms offer a wealth of opportunities to gain knowledge and practical skills in this critical field, often at no cost or for a minimal investment. From introductory courses to advanced certifications, the landscape of cybersecurity learning is rich and diverse, catering to learners of all levels and backgrounds. This guide will navigate you through a curated selection of free and low-cost online educational content, empowering you to take control of your cybersecurity learning journey and unlock your full potential in this rapidly growing domain. Explore the resources below to begin or advance your cybersecurity expertise today.
Career and Professional Development Resources
| **Name and Hyperlink to Materials*** | Description** |
|---|---|
| 30 Days to Learn It Challenge in Security | Jumpstart your cybersecurity learning with the 30 Days to Learn It Challenge in Security. This initiative provides structured learning modules and a global community forum for peer interaction. Participants may also become eligible for a 50% discount on a Microsoft Certification exam, making it a valuable step towards professional cybersecurity learning and certification. |
| Ascend Education | Ascend Education offers a comprehensive library of IT and cybersecurity learning courses, covering topics from CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+) to cloud security and Microsoft Azure. Explore their extensive catalog with free evaluation access and find the perfect course to advance your cybersecurity learning goals. |
| Amazon Cybersecurity Awareness Training | Enhance your fundamental cybersecurity learning with this free 15-minute training module from Amazon. Covering essential topics like secure communication, phishing awareness, and data privacy, this training is ideal for building a strong foundation in cybersecurity learning for everyday digital safety. |
| Career Essentials in Cybersecurity by Microsoft and LinkedIn | Embark on a structured cybersecurity learning path with the Career Essentials in Cybersecurity program from Microsoft and LinkedIn. This learning pathway helps you understand core cybersecurity concepts, master industry terminology, and explore the current threat landscape. Earn a Career Essentials Certificate to showcase your foundational cybersecurity learning achievements. (LinkedIn account required, available until 2025). |
| Center for Development of Security Excellence Cybersecurity eLearning | For U.S. Government personnel and contractors, CDSE provides free cybersecurity learning eLearning courses tailored to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). Access specialized cybersecurity learning resources designed for government security professionals. |
| Certified in Cybersecurity | ISC2’s new “Certified in Cybersecurity” training program offers a groundbreaking opportunity for cybersecurity learning. The first 1,000,000 sign-ups receive free access to this program, which builds a solid foundation in entry-level security principles, business continuity, incident response, and more. This is an exceptional starting point for anyone serious about cybersecurity learning and certification. Please refer to the ISC2 website for program details and limitations. |
| Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Workshop Training | Gain insights into modern organizational security with Microsoft’s CISO Workshop Training. This resource offers a collection of security learnings, principles, and recommendations for leaders aiming to enhance their organization’s cybersecurity posture. Ideal for advanced cybersecurity learning and strategic security planning. |
| Cisco Networking Academy | Begin your cybersecurity learning journey with Cisco Networking Academy’s free 6-hour Introduction to Cybersecurity awareness course. Explore further with additional online courses, including certification-aligned pathways that prepare learners for entry-level cybersecurity roles. All courses are available for free through the Skills for All platform, offering accessible cybersecurity learning in multiple languages. |
| CyberDefenders | For aspiring Blue Team professionals, CyberDefenders offers free, hands-on cybersecurity learning through blue team training labs. SOC analysts, threat hunters, and DFIR professionals can hone their skills in realistic simulated environments, enhancing practical cybersecurity learning. |
| Cyberbit Range Remote Training | Experience advanced cybersecurity learning with Cyberbit Range Remote Training. SOC teams can participate in free remote training sessions that simulate live cyberattacks on Cyberbit’s cloud-based Cyber Range. This immersive approach to cybersecurity learning provides invaluable real-world experience. |
| Cyber Million Program | Immersive Labs’ Cyber Million Program offers two distinct cybersecurity learning paths. Choose the Cyber Fundamentals Collection for introductory courses or the Defense Security Operations Collection for exercises that develop and demonstrate practical cybersecurity skills. A comprehensive platform for both foundational and advanced cybersecurity learning. |
| CybersecurityJobs.com Training Fund | Access a vast library of cybersecurity learning resources with the CybersecurityJobs.com Training Fund. Gain free 12-month access to StationX‘s extensive collection of classes, virtual labs, practice tests, and exam simulations, accelerating your cybersecurity learning and career readiness. |
| CyberTraining 365 Online Academy | CyberTraining 365 Online Academy provides both free courses and low-cost subscriptions for in-depth cybersecurity learning. Master techniques like malware analysis, penetration testing, and APT detection through their diverse offerings. Consider their low-cost lifetime subscription for ongoing cybersecurity learning. |
| Cyber Skyline Professional | Students can access heavily discounted, scenario-driven cybersecurity learning labs and challenges through Cyber Skyline Professional. With over 100+ scenarios covering forensics to offensive cybersecurity skills, this on-demand platform and vibrant Slack community offer flexible and engaging cybersecurity learning. (Use .edu email to sign up). |
| Cybrary | Cybrary is a comprehensive cybersecurity learning portal offering a wide range of free information technology and cybersecurity training resources. Explore various learning paths and topics to enhance your cybersecurity learning journey. |
| EC-Council | The EC-Council provides a wealth of free resources for the information security community, including webinars, blogs, and online video training. Leverage these materials for continuous cybersecurity learning and professional development. |
| Elastic | Expand your cybersecurity learning with free on-demand courses from Elastic covering the Elastic Stack, observability, and security. Gain valuable skills in these increasingly important areas of cybersecurity and data analysis. |
| Ethically Hacking Space YouTube Channel | Explore the unique domain of space cybersecurity with the Ethically Hacking Space YouTube channel. Access free training videos focused on technologies and techniques for cybersecurity operations and cyber resilience in space, offering specialized cybersecurity learning. |
| Evolve Academy | Build a strong foundation for a cybersecurity career with Evolve Academy’s free Cybersecurity Fundamentals course. Gain hands-on technical skills and kickstart your cybersecurity learning in a practical and engaging way. |
| Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) | For federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government employees, federal contractors, and US military veterans, FedVTE offers free online cybersecurity learning training. Access government-focused cybersecurity education resources. |
| FedVTE Public Courses | Explore a range of topics with FedVTE’s free public courses, including supply chain risk management, cloud computing, and more. Expand your cybersecurity learning with these specialized and publicly available resources. |
| Fortinet | Fortinet provides free access to their FortiGate Essentials Training Course and Network Security Expert courses. Enhance your cybersecurity learning with industry-recognized training from a leading cybersecurity vendor. |
| Google AI Essentials Course | While focused on AI, Google’s AI Essentials Course provides valuable skills applicable to cybersecurity. Learn from Google experts and boost your productivity with essential AI knowledge. (Coursera membership required; 1 week free trial, then a monthly fee). Consider this for interdisciplinary cybersecurity learning. |
| Google Cybersecurity Certificate | Prepare for a cybersecurity analyst career with the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. This professional certificate program on Coursera provides job-ready skills, teaching you to identify risks, threats, and vulnerabilities and techniques to mitigate them. A comprehensive path for practical cybersecurity learning. (Coursera membership required; 1 week free trial, then a monthly fee). |
| Hacker101 | Focus your cybersecurity learning on web security with Hacker101’s free class. Dive into the specifics of web application security and ethical hacking techniques. |
| Hands-On Cybersecurity Training – FREE Career Info Session | Kinetic Potential offers hands-on cybersecurity learning programs designed to lead to high-paying jobs. Attend a free info session every Friday to learn about their programs, funding options, and how to start your cybersecurity career. Explore Programs. |
| Holistic Information Security Practitioner Institute (HISPI) | Access heavily discounted online, on-demand cybersecurity learning with HISPI’s Cyber Security Management Course (use code HISPI-COVID-19). Focus on the management and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. |
| Hopper’s Roppers Security Training | Join a community-driven cybersecurity learning environment with Hopper’s Roppers Security Training. Their series of free courses are designed to train beginners in the security field, offering accessible entry points to cybersecurity learning. |
| IBM (hosted by Coursera) | IBM offers a suite of courses on IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Specialization, hosted on Coursera. Explore the foundational IT knowledge crucial for cybersecurity learning with a free 7-day trial. |
| IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Learning and Resources | Prepare for a cybersecurity analyst role with IBM’s free cybersecurity learning courses and resources. Focus on job-ready skills and career development within the cybersecurity field. |
| IBM Security Learning Academy | For those working with IBM Security products, the IBM Security Learning Academy provides free technical training. Enhance your cybersecurity learning specifically related to IBM security solutions. |
| Immersive Labs | Experience the Immersive Labs platform for free with their Community Edition (use promocode GIMMEFREELABS at sign-up). This platform offers a unique approach to cybersecurity learning through hands-on, gamified labs. |
| Infosec Skills | Infosec Skills provides access to a vast library of cybersecurity learning resources, including 500+ courses and 100+ browser-based labs. Enjoy a 7-day free trial, and consider their low-cost subscription for continued cybersecurity learning. |
| Introduction to Software Security | Delve into software security with this free course covering secure design, secure coding, and vulnerability assessment. Essential cybersecurity learning for developers and software professionals. |
| (ISC)2 Webinars and Courses | (ISC)2 offers free technical webinars and free courses for members (membership fees and pre-qualifications apply). Earn Continuing Professional Education (CPEs) while engaging in valuable cybersecurity learning. |
| (ISC)2 Utilizing Big Data | (ISC)2 members can access a free course on Utilizing Big Data, providing an overview of Big Data components, architectures, and applications in a cybersecurity context. Low-cost option available for non-members to expand their cybersecurity learning. |
| ITProTV | ITProTV offers free membership with access to 65+ hours of IT training content, and low-cost memberships for extensive cybersecurity learning (4000+ hours of content, practice exams, and virtual labs). Educational institutions may have free access to select CompTIA courses. |
| LetsDefend | Build a cybersecurity career with LetsDefend’s hands-on blue team training. Focus your cybersecurity learning on practical, defensive security skills. |
| Microsoft Cyber Security Architecture | Microsoft provides a collection of best practices and video trainings on Cyber Security Architecture. Gain actionable guidance for security-related decisions and enhance your strategic cybersecurity learning. |
| Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program | The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program, in partnership with Last Mile Education Fund, supports community college students in the US pursuing cybersecurity degrees and industry certificates. Financial assistance and exam subsidies are available to facilitate cybersecurity learning and career entry. (US only) |
| Microsoft Cybersecurity Certification Scholarship | Women in Cloud offers the Microsoft Cybersecurity Certification Scholarship to equip women in the U.S. with industry-recognized certifications, mentorship, and job preparedness sessions. Empowering women in cybersecurity learning and careers. (US only) |
| Microsoft Technologies Training | Access free security-related courses focused on Microsoft Technologies. Enhance your cybersecurity learning with platform-specific skills. |
| Mossé Cyber Security Institute | Mossé Cyber Security Institute offers sixty-five free exercises covering penetration testing, red teaming, security tools, and more. A broad spectrum of cybersecurity learning opportunities are available. |
| NICCS Education and Training Catalog | Explore the NICCS Education and Training Catalog, a comprehensive database of both free and for-pay, online and in-person cybersecurity learning courses. A central resource for finding diverse cybersecurity education options. |
| Open P-TECH | Open P-TECH provides free digital learning focused on the tech skills of tomorrow, including cybersecurity. Engage in cybersecurity learning relevant to future industry demands. |
| Pearson IT Specialist: Cybersecurity Course and Certification | Gain free access to the foundational “Pearson IT Specialist: Cybersecurity” course and certification. Includes training resources and certification exam vouchers for US-based learners through 2024, promoting accessible cybersecurity learning and certification. |
| PentesterLab | PentesterLab offers free exercises covering a wide range of vulnerabilities. For more advanced cybersecurity learning, consider Pentester Lab PRO at a low cost. |
| Pluralsight | While this specific offer was time-limited, Pluralsight is a valuable resource for cybersecurity learning. They occasionally offer free access periods to their extensive library of expert-led video courses. Check for current promotions for potential free access to advanced cybersecurity learning content. |
| Project Ares by Circadence | Project Ares offers a gamified cybersecurity learning platform at a low cost. Engage in hands-on activities, concept-driven games, and scenarios that emulate real-world networks to develop practical cybersecurity skills. |
| RangeForce Community Edition | RangeForce Community Edition provides free training courses, including red and blue team training, in an on-demand cyber range. Gain practical cybersecurity learning in a realistic environment. |
| SANS | SANS is a leading provider of cybersecurity training and offers numerous free community resources. Explore white papers, webcasts, newsletters, tools, and more to support your cybersecurity learning. |
| SANS Cyber Aces Online | SANS Cyber Aces Online is a free course teaching the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including operating systems, networking, and systems administration. A strong starting point for foundational cybersecurity learning. |
| Simply Cyber Academy | Simply Cyber Academy offers free and low-cost GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) in-demand skill training. Focus your cybersecurity learning on this critical aspect of cybersecurity management. |
| Skillsoft | Skillsoft offers a free trial access to a vast library of courses, practice labs, and live boot camps across various subjects, including cybersecurity. Explore their resources for comprehensive cybersecurity learning and professional development. |
| TryHackMe | TryHackMe provides free, hands-on cybersecurity learning for beginners to experts. Choose from over 300 offensive and defensive real-world security labs and enhance your practical skills. |
| Udemy | Udemy offers a wide range of online courses, often heavily discounted, for various certifications and cybersecurity learning topics. Explore their marketplace for affordable and diverse learning options. |
| Veracode Security Labs Community Edition | Developers can sharpen their secure coding skills with Veracode Security Labs Community Edition’s free courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Essential cybersecurity learning for software development professionals. |
| Web Security Academy | Focus your cybersecurity learning on web security with the Web Security Academy’s free online training. A dedicated resource for mastering web application security. |
Educator Training and Curriculum Resources
| **Name and Hyperlink to Materials*** | Description** |
|---|---|
| AttackIQ Academy | AttackIQ Academy offers free courses taught by cybersecurity practitioners. Educators can gain realistic, hands-on experience in building threat-informed defenses to improve cybersecurity education effectiveness. Valuable resources for enhancing cybersecurity learning curriculum. |
| Ascend Education | Ascend Education provides free course access for IT instructors to evaluate their cybersecurity learning materials. K12 teachers and college/university instructors can access Ascend Education courses for curriculum review and development. |
| CertNexus | CertNexus offers free online training for teachers and instructors for Cyber Secure Coder, Cybersec First Responders, and CyberSAFE. Additional resources for certifications and curriculum development to support cybersecurity learning in educational settings. |
| CLARK Center Plan C | CLARK Center Plan C provides a free cybersecurity curriculum primarily based on video content and online assignments. Easily integrated into virtual learning environments, enhancing accessibility for cybersecurity learning. |
| Computer Security Education Resource Collection | This community-sourced collection offers free resources related to computer security, cybersecurity, and information security education. Targeted at instructors seeking course materials for cybersecurity learning. |
| CyberCIEGE Educational Video Game | CyberCIEGE is a free network security simulation packaged as a video game, suitable for high school through graduate courses. An engaging tool for cybersecurity learning through interactive gameplay. |
| Cisco Networking Academy | Cisco Networking Academy provides free cybersecurity curriculum, hands-on labs, and instructor training. Courses are aligned to industry certifications and prepare learners for various cybersecurity job roles, supporting comprehensive cybersecurity learning programs. |
| Faux Paw’s Cybersecurity Superstars Curriculum | For younger learners (grades 1-4), Faux Paw the Techno Cat’s Cybersecurity Superstars Curriculum offers four lesson plans focused on Internet safety, privacy, ethics, and introduces cybersecurity careers. Early cybersecurity learning resources for K-12 education. |
| Labtainers Cyber Lab Exercises | Labtainers provides free Linux-based cybersecurity labs with automated student assessment. Over 50 prepackaged labs can run on student laptops, facilitating hands-on cybersecurity learning. |
| M.E. Kabay | M.E. Kabay offers free industry courses and course materials for students and teachers. Utilize these resources for free cybersecurity learning courses and lectures. |
| National CyberWatch Center Cloud-Based Labs | Academic institutions and faculty can access heavily discounted online labs tied to industry certifications and higher education courses from the National CyberWatch Center. Enhance cybersecurity learning with practical lab experiences. |
| NCyTE Center Curriculum | NCyTE Center offers free cybersecurity curriculum and teaching resources for high school and college instructors. Materials can be incorporated into existing coursework or used to develop new cybersecurity learning classes. |
| TestOut Teacher Access | TestOut provides free Teacher Access to cybersecurity courses. Request access to evaluate and utilize these resources for cybersecurity learning in K-12 education. |
Employee Awareness Training Resources
| **Name and Hyperlink to Materials*** | Description** |
|---|---|
| Center for Development of Security Excellence Cybersecurity Catalog | CDSE offers free security awareness resources including games, posters, shorts, videos, and webinars. Utilize these materials for effective employee cybersecurity learning and awareness campaigns. |
| Certified Cybersecurity Awareness Professional (CCAP) Certification Training | The CCAP certification training is a low-cost, non-technical course for anyone using computers and the internet. It provides essential knowledge and skills to protect against social engineering and common cyber threats, enhancing general cybersecurity learning for all employees. (Online access for 60 days. Available also in Spanish) |
| Cybersecurity Education GAMES For Kids and Families | Curated by the NICE Working Group K12 Subgroup, this list provides free resources including games for cybersecurity learning for kids and families. Extend cybersecurity awareness beyond the workplace. |
| Cyber Security for Remote Workers Staff Awareness E-learning Course | This low-cost, non-technical course helps remote employees stay safe online and understand how to respond to cyberattacks and phishing scams. Essential cybersecurity learning for the remote workforce. |
| Email Security and Privacy Awareness Course | Raise awareness of email data security and privacy with this free one-hour course. Focused cybersecurity learning on a critical communication channel. |
| Information Security and Cyber Security Staff Awareness E-Learning Course | This low-cost course is aimed at employees who process information and use IT in their daily jobs. Broad cybersecurity learning for general staff awareness. |
| Wizer Security Awareness Training | Wizer Security Awareness Training offers a free plan with videos, quizzes, and employee progress reports to train employees on cybersecurity best practices. A comprehensive and free solution for employee cybersecurity learning. |
| Phishing Staff Awareness E-Learning Course | A low-cost phishing awareness training course. Targeted cybersecurity learning to combat phishing attacks. |
| CertNexus CyberSAFE® | CertNexus® CyberSAFE® is a low-cost, non-technical course for end-users. It helps identify common risks associated with end-user technology and how to protect against security risks, promoting essential cybersecurity learning for everyone. |
K12 Education and Games Resources
| **Name and Hyperlink to Materials*** | Description** |
|---|---|
| Education Arcade | Education Arcade offers free gamified eLearning content focused on best practice security behaviors. Engaging cybersecurity learning through gamification for staff and students. |
| Career Explorations: Cybersecurity | Free cybersecurity curriculum for 5th – 10th graders. Introduce younger students to cybersecurity learning and career paths. |
| Culture of Cybersecurity | Downloadable kids activities to help families learn basic cybersecurity concepts and defense strategies. Family-oriented cybersecurity learning resources. |
| CYBER.ORG | CYBER.ORG provides free cybersecurity curriculum for K-12 students using Canvas and the CYBER.ORG Range. Foundational and technical cybersecurity learning for all K-12 students. |
| Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Information | Free courses for middle and high school students (sign up and use class code 2A4E1). Accessible cybersecurity learning for secondary education. |
| NICERC at Home | NICERC at Home offers free activities and Capture the Flag challenges for cybersecurity learning. Teach foundational skills and introduce cybersecurity careers to K-12 students. |
| Palo Alto Networks | Palo Alto Networks provides free activities, lessons, and virtual environments to increase student knowledge of cybersecurity. Interactive cybersecurity learning resources for K-12. |
| picoCTF | picoCTF is a free computer security game targeted at middle and high school students. Gamified cybersecurity learning to engage young learners. |
| RING | RING is a free, online two-semester course for high school students, including lesson plans, activities, assessments, games, and labs. Comprehensive cybersecurity learning course for high school students. |
| K12 Cybersecurity Resources for at home | A curation of known K12 educational resources for at-home cybersecurity learning. Resources specifically compiled for home-based education. |
**Materials are related to coding, cybersecurity product training, certification preparation or general IT and cybersecurity skills development, and teacher training and curriculum.*
**Some of these materials may only be free or low cost (less than $100) for a limited time.
For more information on how to add additional information or to correct an error, please email nice.nist [at] nist.gov (nice[dot]nist[at]nist[dot]gov).
Conclusion:
Embarking on cybersecurity learning is a crucial step in today’s interconnected world. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of readily available free and low-cost resources to support your journey. From foundational knowledge to specialized skills, and for individuals at any stage of their career or education, there are numerous pathways to enhance your cybersecurity expertise. Whether you are an aspiring cybersecurity professional, an educator looking to enrich your curriculum, an employee aiming to protect your organization, or a student exploring future career options, the resources listed offer valuable opportunities for cybersecurity learning. Start exploring these platforms today and take control of your cybersecurity future. The world of cybersecurity learning is at your fingertips – begin your exploration now and unlock your potential in this vital field.
